Police warn of renewed climate bonus scam

Fraudsters are using fake emails about Austria’s discontinued climate bonus to steal personal information and money, ORF reports, as the messages circulate more widely again this autumn.

Klaus Allerstorfer of the Upper Austria State Criminal Police Office said it was difficult to estimate how many people had been affected or how much money had been stolen. Reported losses range from small sums to five figures.

The emails ask recipients to click a link and provide their bank details. Scammers then guide them through further steps until they make transfers, Allerstorfer said.

In some cases, recipients are asked to make a test transfer to verify their account, despite being promised a refund. Allerstorfer advised people to delete any climate bonus text messages or emails immediately.